The GCSE pass rate at Thomas Alleyne was slightly down on last year, with the head concerned about the marking of the English paper.

Seventy per cent of pupils received the Government’s target of five A* to C grades, with 41 per cent achieving five A* to C with maths and English. The overall A* to C grades were one per cent down on last year’s figures, while with maths and English the figure fell five per cent.

Headteacher Jonathon Block said they may ask for the English papers to be remarked as results fell below predictions.

“There’s something wrong with our English which we have to look into. They are not as strong as they should have been,” he said. “We are looking at every mark and if necessary we will ask them to go back and remark them. It is so important these days.”

The head highlighted super achievers Steven Robinson who earned nine A*s, one A and a merit, Emily Elmore with 3 A*s, five As, two Bs and a merit, as well as Jack Leeson, Nick Mumford and Hannah Regis “who all got a bunch of A*s and Bs”.

“Overall we are reasonably happy,” Mr Block said.